This kind of criteria spins-up very personal elements- for example the otherwise uninteresting peaks between Hwy's. 88 and 108, because that is where my grandparents introduced me to the Sierra and I first found my backcountry legs. But other than that maybe Lakes Basin, or the Cathedral Range (north to Mt. Conness), because I've had so many great climbing and rambling experiences there. Other than that almost any eastside trailhead will do.

But the book of life has a few unwritten chapters for me yet, like the east ridge Russell which is on the bucket list- maybe summer of 2012.

There are so many places....but I would return to the Dumbbells (if physically capable), not only because it's the kind of isolated off trail place I like so much but for sentimental reasons, for my trip there with my wife 17 years ago remains our favorite. The "one trip" would go to 11393 then Barrett Lakes, then Amphitheater, then Dumbbells, then Lakes Basin, then another trailless destination then out Taboose.

If something less physically demanding, then it would be a certain spot in the Dinkey Lakes. With my dad, that certain spot was the area above Saddlebag. With me and Judy there is that one place in the Dinkeys (although we might feel differently if it does in fact go fishless). Then there is an even easier off trail spot that is a favorite of the kids--we took them there on their first two backpacking trips. No doubt the sentimental value there will grow with time.

Great thread, but Whoa, this is a hard one! Been reading all these wonderful posts and getting reminded of so many places I never got to - - so tempting to imagine the possibilities. OK, so if I hafta, my choice would be Sixty Lakes Basin. First, beautiful landscapes and skylines throughout, especially from Kearsarge Pass entrance then over Glen Pass (plus the fantasy of using Dragon Pass as an alternate access). Second, so much to see around Rae Lakes, where its so comfortable but there's never enough time. Last and best, my wife and I spent part of our honeymoon packing into that country for a week - - her first wilderness trek. Great memories!

Here is another photo - this one taken the next day from Gray Pass. It is a beautiful lake. It is farther down to the lake than it looks like. The afternoon I was at the little pond above it, the weather was stormy and I was out of energy so did not go down to walk around this lake. I regret that.

This is the lake that I saw on the same route, that, TMK, is the only lake past the Horseshoes that is of any significance on the SHR until you get into the basin below Grey Pass. In Doyle's chronicles, I believe he refers to it as the "lake on the edge of forever"...or some such phrase. And,yes, it is a ways down there....it bears a visit, if for no other reason than to peer over the edge, but time was an issue on the trek to Lakes Basin and something we didn't have enough of.....oh..for another visit w/more time and energy...

Since my wife and I first traveled into the Mineral King Valley in 1996, I have returned several times for car camping, hiking and backpacking trips. There exists in that valley and its surroundings a special magic for me that is ever attractive, and makes me feel at home in the wilderness, a comforting but wild place. Over the years, I have said many times that if I were able to choose my final hike, somewhere in Mineral King would be the place to go; if I had to choose, the hike to Eagle Lake would be particularly rewarding, as would the hike under Empire Mountain on the way to Timber Gap. Nothing extraordinary, but places close to my heart.Cheers,Herm